International Women’s day is celebrated on March 8th every year. It is the annual focal point for the movement for women’s rights. As the quote above states, it is the universal and collective belief in women’s rights through actions that makes the day the success that it is. This year the theme is #pressforchange. IWD is celebrated in many countries around the world as a day to focus on women being recognized for their achievements as one body across any national, ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic or political divide.

This week MNC has been busy celebrating the women that are part of The Mumpreneurs Networking Club community. This week alone we have run a business accelerate workshop, 3 networking meetings, 4 mentoring sessions, 1 speed networking session and 2 twitter hours – and best of all we were awarded ‘Best Support Network’ at The Mum and Working Awards. We have seen over 250 people and connected 1000’s of people online in this week alone.

Our modus operadi is to constantly connect and empower women who choose to embrace an entrepreneurial journey, we support Mumpreneurs – at any stage of their businesses. The value of MNC community is our ability to connect our voices and beliefs, enabling us to make our actions stronger, more visible and collectively make changes.

Every member of MNC can be a leader within their own area of influence whether at home, work or in business and #pressforchange. In doing so, we do it for our Grandmothers, Sisters, Aunties and our future generations.

So how can you join us to #pressforchange and play your part in this important movement ?

The 5 headings below give you plenty of ideas and opportunities to #pressforprogress. Choose some that you think you can commit to and let us know what you’ll do. A few of our favourites are ‘nominate women for opportunities’ ‘always include and support women’ ‘identify ways to make women more visible’. We know at MNC we are very good at making women more visible!

Think: I will #PressforProgress

Maintain a gender parity mindset

question any lack of women’s participation

identify alternatives that are more inclusive

nominate women for opportunities

always include and support women

think “50/50” as the goal

Challenge stereotypes and bias

question assumptions about women

challenge statements that limit women

always use inclusive language

work to remove barriers to women’s progress

buy from retailers who position women in positive ways

Forge positive visibility of women

identify ways to make women more visible

extend opportunities to women first

assume women want opportunities until declined

select women as spokespeople and leaders

support visible women

Influence other beliefs and actions

supportively call-out inappropriate behaviour

campaign for equality in meaningful ways

lead by example via inclusive actions

be a role model for equality

actively contribute to changing the status quo

Celebrate women’s achievements

believe achievement comes in many forms

value women’s individual and collective success

ensure credit is given for women’s contributions

celebrate women role models and their journeys

support awards showcasing women’s success

We know as the MNC community we have a responsibility to step up and empower other mumpreneurs to do so too.